Complete Guide to Understanding and Treating Green Mould

Did you ever notice any mysterious green patches creeping into your home? That unwelcome fuzzy intruder has a habit of settling in where it is least expected, like bathroom ceilings and wooden surfaces.
Before you panic, take a step back and assess the situation.

Dealing with it is not as daunting as it seems. This guide will help you spot the signs of green mould, tackle the issue, and keep it from returning. So, let us make this a manageable mission because your home deserves to be fresh, dry, and free from pesky mould.

Green mould: identification, causes, where to find

Are you wondering why green fluffy mould keeps appearing on your walls, despite your best cleaning efforts?

Green mould, also known as Aspergillus and Penicillium, is quite the opportunistic house guest.
It typically appears as a velvety or powdery growth, with colours ranging from sage to emerald green. It can colonise a surface in as little as 24-48 hours under the right conditions.

The real culprits behind its growth are this terrible trio: moisture, organic material, and poor ventilation. This explains why you will find green mould on walls near windows, on wooden fence posts, or even lurking on carpets in damp corners.

You will often spot it in bathrooms, creeping along shower walls, basement or garage walls, window seals, or ceiling corners. It is equally fond of wooden surfaces as well, from skirting boards to furniture, and particularly loves those spots where condensation regularly forms.

It is also known to thrive on fresh plaster and garden cushions left in humid conditions.

Types of green mould

Now, let us get acquainted with the main offenders in the green mould family. Aspergillus comes in the lead as a rapid spreader. It starts with a pale green colour before darkening with age.

This type grows on walls and air conditioning systems, making them particularly troublesome to deal with.

Next is Penicillium. This type creates distinctive blue-green patches on wood and fabric. While some strains are beneficial in controlled settings, like in the production of blue cheese, the ones camping out on your furniture are not as benign.

The third one is Cladosporium, which is quite known for being a hardy survivor. Thriving in both warm and cold conditions, this versatile strain particularly enjoys wooden surfaces and has a knack for settling in bathroom ceilings with unsightly green patterns.

Green mould vs algae

There is a common misconception when it comes to battling green growth on outdoor furniture and wooden fences. Not all green patches are mould. Sometimes you are dealing with algae instead.

Think of mould as a green, fluffy, and powdery houseguest, while algae appear as a slippery and slimy coating. The former prefers to grow in scattered patches, playing hide and seek in shady spots like damp carpets or wooden surfaces indoors. Besides, it has a habit of settling in garden furniture, soil, and even wooden fences when exposed to rain.

Algae also spread more uniformly and need sunlight to thrive, often found on patios, decking, or garden furniture. It is essentially a tiny plant after all.

The key difference is that algae feel slick to the touch, though it is not recommended to test this. In contrast, mould has that characteristic fuzzy texture. While touching it is not immediately dangerous, always avoid direct contact since spores can become airborne.

Additionally, this fungus requires humidity in outdoor areas, while algae need sun to spread. Knowing this is crucial because the treatment methods vary significantly for each.

Differences between green mould and black mould

Think of this green furry as your garden-variety troublemaker, spreading quickly but staying relatively surface-level. Black mould, on the other hand, is more like a deep-rooted problem, often penetrating materials beyond what is visible.

Green mould can be rather opportunistic, settling on various surfaces from walls to fabrics, and even carpets. It does not require many elements to grow. Just a bit of moisture and organic material will do.
However, black mould is more demanding, typically requiring persistent damp conditions to establish and thrive.

Appearance-wise, green mould characterises with mossy hues, sometimes mixing with white patches on walls. The darker variant appears as black, often slimy-looking.

Both types can be problematic, but the inky clusters usually signal a more serious underlying moisture issue that needs immediate attention.

Remember that both varieties should be addressed promptly. They are like unwanted houseguests who will permanently stay unless you do something about it!

Is green mould toxic?

While not all green mould types will send you running to the emergency room, living with them is not exactly a breeze.

Mould can make you sick, with effects ranging from mild to concerning. It can also cause respiratory problems, such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and stuffiness.

Moderate symptoms include allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, runny nose, skin rashes, headaches, and unexplained fatigue. That’s why for those with asthma or a weaker immune system, green mould poses a bigger challenge.

There is also the mental toll of dealing with it. Constant cleaning and worrying about health impacts will surely lead to frustration and anxiety.

So, when should you walk away from a house with mould? Consider calling professionals if the affected area is larger than a metre squared, spreads to multiple rooms, or is inside walls and the ventilation system. This is absolutely crucial if health symptoms persist.

Best cleaners for green mould

Let us explore your arsenal of green mould-fighting methods, from gentle natural solutions to heavy-duty professional treatments.

The key to removing green mould effectively lies in choosing the right cleaner for your specific situation.

Mild green mould infestations

White vinegar can be your first line of defence, particularly for mild infestations. This kitchen staple is remarkably effective and kills green mould quite easily with its 5% acetic acid content. This helps destroy up to 82% of mould species.

Simply pour undiluted amounts of this natural white vinegar cleaner into a spray bottle, apply directly to the affected area, and let it sit for an hour before wiping clean.

For a milder option, particularly if you have pets or children, baking soda mixtures offer a safe alternative. Create a paste with water or combine it with vinegar. This will make a powerful fizzing reaction that helps lift green mould from wood and other surfaces. This method works particularly well for car window seals and other delicate areas.

Severe green mould infestation

Hydrogen peroxide is yet another powerful contender, especially when green mould needs to be removed from lighter surfaces. A 3% solution can successfully eliminate the fungus safer than harsh chemical alternatives.

For stubborn spots, particularly when dealing with both green mould and algae, consider incorporating tea tree oil into your natural white vinegar remover. However, remember to test it first, as it is possible to leave stains on painted walls.

When DIY methods fall short, it is time to call in for professional mould remediation services. The experts come equipped with industrial-grade mould removers and specialised equipment.

They typically use HEPA filtration systems, commercial-grade fungicides, and containment methods. All of these elements ensure thorough removal without spreading spores throughout your home.

Stop the green mould from affecting your house again

Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to stopping green mould. The key lies in creating conditions where mould struggles to develop by managing moisture levels in your home.